What is an Interpreter or Translator?
Job Description & Duties Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
A Day in the Life of an Interpreter or Translator
- Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
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Things an Interpreter or Translator Should Know How to Do
When polled, Interpreters and Translators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Interpreter or Translator
- Interpreter
- Sign Language Interpreter, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Consultant
- Language Interpreter
- Bilingual Interpreter
- American Sign Language ASL/English Sign Language Interpreter/RID Certified
Job Outlook for Interpreters and Translators
In the United States, there were 68,200 jobs for Interpreter or Translator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,100 new jobs for Interpreter or Translator by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,800 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Interpreter or Translator are Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Montana, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Interpreter or Translator
The typical yearly salary for Interpreters and Translators is somewhere between $27,230 and $90,610.
Interpreters and Translators who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Interpreters and Translators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,510 |
| Alaska | $52,990 |
| Arizona | $46,100 |
| Arkansas | $34,260 |
| California | $58,180 |
| Colorado | $70,050 |
| Connecticut | $47,560 |
| Delaware | $53,860 |
| District of Columbia | $93,730 |
| Florida | $49,300 |
| Georgia | $55,670 |
| Hawaii | $45,580 |
| Idaho | $37,650 |
| Illinois | $46,320 |
| Indiana | $41,700 |
| Iowa | $37,840 |
| Kansas | $40,190 |
| Kentucky | $49,690 |
| Louisiana | $40,440 |
| Maine | $63,210 |
| Maryland | $70,530 |
| Massachusetts | $55,600 |
| Michigan | $41,450 |
| Minnesota | $52,730 |
| Mississippi | $52,110 |
| Missouri | $62,610 |
| Montana | $37,910 |
| Nebraska | $43,760 |
| Nevada | $52,150 |
| New Hampshire | $49,970 |
| New Jersey | $74,750 |
| New Mexico | $58,700 |
| New York | $68,940 |
| North Carolina | $59,310 |
| North Dakota | $35,250 |
| Ohio | $58,380 |
| Oklahoma | $35,240 |
| Oregon | $50,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,100 |
| Rhode Island | $50,380 |
| South Carolina | $44,950 |
| South Dakota | $37,650 |
| Tennessee | $43,550 |
| Texas | $58,650 |
| Utah | $43,830 |
| Vermont | $46,270 |
| Virginia | $70,770 |
| Washington | $48,560 |
| West Virginia | $38,590 |
| Wisconsin | $50,750 |
| Wyoming | $48,750 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Interpreters and Translators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Interpreters and Translators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML
- Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software
Becoming an Interpreter or Translator
What education or degrees do I need to become an Interpreter or Translator?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Interpreter or Translator?
Where Interpreters and Translators Are Employed
Interpreters and Translators work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Susana Freixeiro via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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